18 GCA § 21305: Power to Hypothecate.

The master of a ship may hypothecate the ship, freightage, and cargo, and sell part of the cargo, in the cases prescribed by the Chapters on bottomry and respondentia, and no others, except that the master may also sell the cargo, or any part of it, short of the port of destination, if found to be of such perishable nature, or in such damaged condition that if left on board or reshipped it would be entirely lost, or would seriously endanger the interests of its owners.